Flood
Minnesota is rich in water resources, with five major river systems (the Mississippi, Minnesota, Red River of the North, St. Louis and Rainy) draining large basins of land. Flooding is a fact of life here, resulting from torrential rain, rapid snowmelt, ice jams or insufficient wetland areas. Since 1957, 32 out of 39 of the federal disaster declarations made for Minnesota have been flood-related. In 1997 alone, more than $235 million was spent in the state on flood response and recovery.
Browns Valley Flood, 2007.
You don’t have to live on a river to have floods affect you. Water from heavy rains can move rapidly on pavement in urban areas, creating rushing currents that can overwhelm people and vehicles. Saturated ground after storms can cause flooding in basements, along with bacteria and mold. Floods can be sudden and deadly, like a dam break, or can be predicted for days before they occur, giving you some advance warning.
Red River Valley Flood, 2006.
Be prepared for flooding. You may be forced to leave your home. Depending on the severity of the flooding, you may not be able to reenter your home for an extended period of time.
- Go to Get Prepared and create a family communication plan that includes a Go Plan and build at least a 3-day emergency kit to be ready for a flood.
- Print the Flood Checklist (PDF) and discuss this information with your family.
Flood Resources
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Flood (external link)
- Association of State Floodplain Managers
Association of State Floodplain Managers Homepage (external link) - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Flood Safety & Cleanup (external link)